Police looking to identify Christmas jumper robber in Leeds

Police investigating a series of street robberies in Leeds are appealing for information to identify the suspect, who wore a distinctive Christmas jumper.

The man, described as white, slim, aged between 20 and 30, with short hair, is believed to have been responsible for four robberies in Leeds city centre where the victims have all been women.

At about 10pm on Wednesday, November 5, a 24-year-old woman was in Dock Street walking home from work when the man grabbed her by the neck and forced her against a wall.

He shouted at her to drop her bags, which she did. She managed to push past him and run off and the man stole her handbag which was later recovered further down the street.

At 1.15am on Friday, October 17, the same man targeted two 18-year-old women in Kirkgate as they walked home from a night out.

He grabbed one of them around the neck from behind and threatened to hurt them if they didn’t hand over their purses. He stole cash and ran off towards Clarence Dock.

About 30 minutes later the same man followed a 23-year-old woman and grabbed her, putting his hand over her mouth. He threatened to stab her and demanded money.

He then marched her 20 metres to Tesco near the Royal Armouries and made her draw money out of the cashpoint.

He then kept hold of her for about five minutes before running off with the money.

Detective Constable Will Tsang, of Leeds District Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “These have clearly been very distressing incidents for the victims and it’s vital that we identify this man and trace him.

“The most distinctive feature the victims have described is the Christmas style jumper he has been wearing with a reindeer pattern on it.

“An e-fit image has also been created of the suspect and I would like to hear from anyone who recognises him, either from that image or the description of this distinctive jumper.”